Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A coalition of legal practitioners has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force, demanding immediate investigations and possible prosecution over alleged inciting statements and killings linked to the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election. The Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, August 21, 2026, said the matter transcends political parties, election results, and individual political interests, and goes to the heart of the sanctity of human life and the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system. COPA Coordinator Ajibola Bello stated that the coalition has reviewed several videos that circulated during the election campaign, which it believes contain statements capable of inciting violence or restricting voters from exercising their franchise.
Among the videos cited by the coalition is one attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi, a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in which he allegedly urged supporters to attack members of the Accord Party. Bello noted that following this statement, Ilesa and surrounding areas witnessed serious political violence in which more than nine people were reportedly killed. "Where a serving Senator is recorded allegedly telling supporters to kill members of an opposing political party, and people subsequently lose their lives in election-related violence, the institutions established by law cannot simply look away," Bello said. The coalition also cited a video attributed to Honourable Wole Oke, a leading figure in the APC governorship campaign, which contained a translated portion of a Yoruba-language statement allegedly warning that anyone who goes against President Bola Tinubu should be ready to face the consequences.
COPA noted that Esa-Oke, Oke's hometown, also witnessed political violence, including the killing of a citizen. Another video cited by the coalition was attributed to Francis Eniade, which allegedly contained statements urging non-APC supporters, particularly members of the Accord Party, not to come out to vote. Eniade was also allegedly recorded specifically stating that the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, should not come out to vote. Bello argued that no Nigerian politician has the authority to determine who may exercise the constitutional right to vote, and that such statements potentially fall within the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 criminalising threats, incitement and attempts to prevent eligible voters from exercising their franchise.
The coalition, however, cautioned against assuming criminal responsibility solely from the statements, emphasising that such determinations belong to investigators and ultimately the courts. Bello stated, "We are not saying that the statement, standing alone, establishes criminal responsibility for any subsequent killing. That determination belongs to investigators and ultimately the courts". He stressed that the statement and the violence that followed provide sufficient reason for a thorough and impartial investigation. COPA also challenged INEC to exercise its statutory responsibility in dealing with electoral offences, citing Section 148(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides that prosecution of offences under the Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of INEC or legal practitioners appointed by the commission.
The coalition demanded that within seven days, the police and other relevant security agencies commence or make public information on investigations into the alleged statements and incidents of violence associated with the election. Bello urged the umpire to act on any electoral offences disclosed by evidence rather than leave the matter entirely to the security agencies. He said the police and other appropriate security agencies should investigate the allegations, authenticate the videos, identify and interview the persons involved, speak to witnesses, and establish the facts. The coalition further urged the authorities to demonstrate that electoral laws would be applied impartially, regardless of the political affiliation or status of any person involved.
The ultimatum comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State following the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the August 15 governorship election. The Accord Party candidate secured 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 444,815 votes. The election was marred by violence, with multiple fatalities reported across the state. An election observer organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative, recorded 17 election-related violence incidents across 10 local government areas during the election, with more than 44 victims recorded. Between October 2025 and August 2026, the organisation recorded 81 election-related violence incidents resulting in 15 fatalities across the state.
The police have arrested 295 persons for various electoral offences during the poll, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has warned politicians against recruiting youths for violence ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the COPA ultimatum suggests that civil society is not satisfied with the response of law enforcement agencies and is demanding more concrete action. The coalition's insistence on the prosecution of political actors, regardless of their status, reflects a growing frustration with the impunity that has long characterised Nigeria's electoral process. The seven-day ultimatum places significant pressure on INEC and the police to demonstrate that they are serious about accountability and the rule of law, and that no one is above the law, regardless of their political affiliation or position.
As the clock ticks on the seven-day ultimatum, the people of Osun State and the nation at large will be watching to see whether INEC and the police will rise to the occasion or whether this will become another case of institutional failure. The coalition's demand for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of those responsible for inciting violence is a test of Nigeria's commitment to democratic accountability and the rule of law. The outcome of this ultimatum will have significant implications for the credibility of Nigeria's electoral system and the ability of citizens to participate in elections without fear of violence or intimidation. For now, the lawyers have spoken, and the ball is now in the court of INEC and the police.
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